Would I be nuts to..........

[tuco44]

.....trade my 2012 135i MSport, DCT, pure stock for the new MINI Cooper S JCW GP?

I know this is a BMW forum so most may yell "don't be dumb" at me, and I can understand that. I do believe that I miss the extra involvement that driving a manual tranny gives you, and had I got a manual this time, I likely wouldn't be thinking this way. I could wait for the 2014 2 Series, particularly the M235i but there are some things that may get added to it (like "stop/start" function for eg.) that I am not keen on. After 16 BMWs one would think they knew what they wanted, but I keep vacillating.

I drove the MINI GP today, and it's a total blast. I actually laughed out load, it was so much fun. I think a car like that lets one have fun in town without losing your license, it is a little harder in my present 135i to have that much fun in town. I had the same problem with my 2009 M3 Sedan, had to be going at license-endangering speeds to really get the kicks out of it. BTW, I am not interested in drag-racing my car, nor competing or tracking it. I just want to enjoy everyday driving a bit more. Incidently, I am not a youngster, and we have a another good, long trips type of sedan. My car is more for fun and trips around town. I also like to own my cars outright, I do not lease any more, and usually don't finance them either. OK, I know it's not that smart, but it's a "hobby" with me.

Any constructive thoughts would be appreciated.

EDIT - I wish I would have grabbed the 1 M Coupe when it was out, but I missed it; and I hate to pay the going price today (usually above original MSRP) for one that has already been used.

[vanondemand]

I got one a mini S as a loaner car, thing felt like a toy and handling felt like a honda to be honest.

[cptJLPicard]

Wow, though call but since you say "I actually laughed out load, it was so much fun." and "I just want to enjoy everyday driving a bit more." it looks like you already (should) know Go for it! Or keep the 1er and get the Mini as well.

[hyper1]

what....

I test drove one and yes it was very much fun in the back country.
But I would have never trade the 135 for a mini GP.
Yes, i did trade the 135 for a Z4/28.

good luck and stop by to show me that new toy.

[jkoral]

No. You would not be nuts.

[pinmagic]

I drove a Mini as a loaner. No comparison. My 135i vert feels solid, and like it's built around me. The Mini was cute, but it felt more like a very trendy economy car. I felt like I was steering a box. It just didn't compare to the BMW.

Having said that, tastes differ - do what feels right to you.

[Dackelone]

I think you are nuts.

You should drive a MINI for a day or so. Maybe talk your dealer into it. An over night "test drive". The mini is cute, but its not really in the same league as our 1er's. I think what you have is Lust for a new car. Follow your dreams and find the 1M of yours.

[Schmoops135i]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

I think you are nuts.

You should drive a MINI for a day or so. Maybe talk your dealer into it. An over night "test drive". The mini is cute, but its not really in the same league as our 1er's. I think what you have is Lust for a new car. Follow your dreams and find the 1M of yours.

Could not agree more! Having owned 2 Mini's before and currently own a Countryman S All4 (mainly used during winter), I can say that our 1ers are indeed in a different class. The mini's ride will become very unpleasant after a few days and, after some of the "new car" endorphins wear off it might strike you a level or two under the 135i. Sounds like what you are yearning for is a manual transmission, not necessarily a different car. Import a 135is from the US maybe? Just a thought.

Good luck with your decision.

[Jettt]

Originally Posted by tuco44

EDIT - I wish I would have grabbed the 1 M Coupe when it was out, but I missed it; and I hate to pay the going price today (usually above original MSRP) for one that has already been used.

Try phaph dealer in the carmall in woodbridge. ive seena few diff ones go through there

[tuco44]

Thank you for the replies to date. For those not aware, the GP is rather a special MINI, albeit still a MINI.

More comments are welcome.

[andrey_gta]

Dont they have the same front brakes as 135i??

[RimasRS]

In your boat I would consider BOXSTER

Or stay where you are...

[IZAGLO]

i feel for ya, indeed. I have been driving M/T for many many years and bought a 135i with paddle shifters a few years back, and have been on the fence to sell it it for a long LONG time for exactly the same reason...I sorely missed being totally connected to the car.. The auto was nice for short drives around but became very boring after a half hour or so..No matter how fast DCT shifts. or whatever paddle shifters you have it is nowhere as connected as having a M/T and being part of the equation to shift the car.
I sold my car to my son 3 months ago....I am gonna sit tight for a bit till ...the M235 comes out and the M2....But it's been hard although i am driving a 1991 Mazda Miata with 61,000 original miles on it which has been keeping me somewhat content...My favorite car's so far have been the Porsche Cayman S and the Lotus Evora S...pricey indeed, and more track than road oriented but my fun car is only for fun on the road and about 5,000 miles a year so..I hope to be able to hold out till the m2 comes out...
As far as the Mini goes......IMO wait....FWD IMO sucks.. and i do agree with everyone else that the Mini will get boring real quick. You can also find some very good deals on 2003 -2005 used Porsche Carrera's with 30-35,000 miles on the clock in perfect condition for 32 grand....

[tuco44]

Originally Posted by IZAGLO

i feel for ya, indeed. I have been driving M/T for many many years and bought a 135i with paddle shifters a few years back, and have been on the fence to sell it it for a long LONG time for exactly the same reason...I sorely missed being totally connected to the car.. The auto was nice for short drives around but became very boring after a half hour or so..No matter how fast DCT shifts. or whatever paddle shifters you have it is nowhere as connected as having a M/T and being part of the equation to shift the car.
I sold my car to my son 3 months ago....I am gonna sit tight for a bit till ...the M235 comes out and the M2....But it's been hard although i am driving a 1991 Mazda Miata with 61,000 original miles on it which has been keeping me somewhat content...My favorite car's so far have been the Porsche Cayman S and the Lotus Evora S...pricey indeed, and more track than road oriented but my fun car is only for fun on the road and about 5,000 miles a year so..I hope to be able to hold out till the m2 comes out...
As far as the Mini goes......IMO wait....FWD IMO sucks.. and i do agree with everyone else that the Mini will get boring real quick. You can also find some very good deals on 2003 -2005 used Porsche Carrera's with 30-35,000 miles on the clock in perfect condition for 32 grand....

Agree 100% on the comments on the "involvement" of driving the manual tranny.

Not sure what I am going to do, if anything. I also may have a chance at used Z4 M Coupe, but not sure I want that "special" a car (which certainly the M Coupe is). I want to be reasonably practical, yet have something "fun" without having to fuss too much over it. I am also interested in the coming 2 Series, and may wait for that one.

Dunno at this time....

In any event, thanks for all the ideas and comments.

[Wescuddles]

My girlfriend owns a R50 mini and its a piece of shit -_-

[tuco44]

Well, think I have resolved my situation:
- the Mini idea is dead.
- I will trade the 135i MSport DCT for same year (2012) 135i MSport 6MT at another dealer.
- the 6MT has in addition to my options, the following - Executive Pkg (Homelink, electric seats, leather, lumbar, comfort access), BMW Apps, and Navigation. This gives me every option in Canada except premium sound.
- the 6MT is Jet Black with Black leather.

I considered waiting for the new M235i but who knows exactly what items may be on it such as Stop/Start and electric steering, neither of which I want. Besides, the 2er is still some time away.

The swap will take place next week.

I am happy to be going back to the 6MT.

[fe1rx]

Originally Posted by tuco44

the Mini idea is dead.

Truer words have not been written.